WHAT YOUR BIRD MUST EAT

Dietary needs vary by bird species and food stuffs must be of the size easily consumed by the individual bird species. To adequately cover the nutritional needs of each species, treats and supplements should be used along with a source of calcium. Quantity of seeds and feed should be in proportions large enough to prevent empty food cups or trays. Care should be taken with parakeet seed cups to ensure whole seeds are not buried beneath a layer of seed husks (see note #1). Although a variety of seeds and feeds is recommended, too many sunflower seeds can cause old problems (see note #2). Old seed looses a high percentage of vitamin E and vitamin C. Stored feeds or seeds that become wet or damp encourage mold growth. Store all seeds off the floor to avoid water damage or rodent infestation. Refrigerate or freeze until use if possible. In addition to natural feeds, formulated diets are also available as a pelleted or extruded product. Such products can be vitaminized or contain medication.

(Note #1) - (Important: Parakeets remove seed hulls as they eat. Hull is usually dropped back into the feed receptacle. As hulls accumulate, the short-beaked parakeet is unable to peck down through hulls to find whole seeds. One may assume food tray/cup is still full, when in fact, birds can no longer reach edible seeds. Have a standardized maintenance procedure where feed trays/cups are emptied, sanitized and refilled with fresh seed daily to help prevent malnutrition or starvation).

(Note #2) - (Important: Some large psittacines, especially Amazons and Cockatoos have a tendency to become obese. Limit fatty food, such as sunflower seeds etc. from the diet of overweight birds).

(Note #3) - (Important: During the molting of feathers, additional fat, protein and vitamins are recommended. Bird may also require more sleep).

Canary

The canary is a ground feeding bird, eating various seeds as they mature throughout the growing season. Grit is required, in limited quantities, which enables the canary to grind up seed kernels in its crop before digesting. The diet should contain seeds high in carbohydrates, seeds high in oils, dark green fresh vegetable leaves such as spinach, chard, kale or romaine lettuce (iceberg lettuce has no nutritional value). Cuttlebone should be available in the cage or aviary, along with seed treats.

*Peanut Butter can become moldy. The molds are toxic to birds. Spoon out the peanut butter with a clean utensil and discard the peanut butter if any mold growth or discoloration is observed. If you are suspicious of eating the peanut butter, don't feed it to the birds!

Pelleted/Extruded feeds: Several bird feed producers manufacture bird foods that contain most of the essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids required by canaries. Medicated foods are also available.

Red Factor canaries must be fed color foods to maintain red color.

Important: Canaries without water will die in 24 hours!!

Doves and Pigeons

Doves and pigeons are seed eaters. They prefer the smaller seeds, found in wild bird mixtures, parakeet diets and finch diets. Doves do not hull their seed, instead, depend upon grit in the gizzard to abrade off the hull and grind up the seed kernel.

Pelletized Foods: Commercial pelletized pigeon food is also available. Introduce gradually with previous diet.

Finches

Possibly more species of finches than any other type of birds, without populations throughout the world. Most of the popular finch species are seed eaters but some are insect eaters. They require grit in their diet. If uncertain, ask breeder.

Toucans and Mynahs

Mynahs and toucans feed primarily in trees, eating fruits, berries and flowers. Toucans will also eat mice, small frogs and lizards. Grit is not necessary as seeds and nuts are not eaten. In captivity mynahs and toucans are very sensitive to dietary iron levels. A high diet in iron can lead to fatal liver disease.

If dog food is used, check to make certain it contains less than 100ppm of iron

The Small Psittacines

Australian Parakeets, Cockatiels, Conures, Parakeets, Ringnecks

The small psittacines are primarily seed eaters, but also eat agricultural crops such as rice, berries, fruit, maize and grains.

Pelleted parrot foods are available. These pelleted diets should be supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables for psychological well being of the birds. Cockatiels however, will often refuse anything but seed mixes.

The Larger Psittacines

African Greys, Amazons, Cockatoos, Macaws

Large psittacines will feed in trees and on the ground, eating seeds, nuts, berries, fruits, and sometimes insects and their larvae. Agricultural crops eaten include rice, corn and maize. As they shell seeds and nuts, grit though not necessary, may be occasionally offered.

Seed mixes for large psittacines should contain a good source of protein, such as dry dog food or monkey biscuits. Pelleted parrot foods should be supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables for the psychological well being of the birds.

Some large psittacines, especially Amazons and Cockatoos have a tendency to become obese. Limit fatty food, such as sunflower seeds etc. from the diet of overweight birds.

Lories, Lorikeets

Lories and lorikeets feed on fruits as well as nectar and pollen. The nectar and pollen is collected by extending their bristled tongue into the nectar source. Grit is not necessary in their diet.

Check with suppliers before receiving Lories or lorikeets on what was being fed. Make certain you have the preferred foods on hand.

Reprinted by Pretty Birds from P.I.J.A.C. Reference Manual

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